Survey: What Americans are thankful for

Britton Niles, PhD, Raven’s Eye

Each year the team at Raven’s Eye conducts a national survey in the United States, which asks two questions:

– For what or whom are you most thankful, and why?

– At this time, what or whom do you need most, and why?

2018 survey results:

For what or whom are you most thankful, and why?

I am most thankful for my family because they love me, and have always been there for me.

I am thankful for friends in my life, who love and support me.

I am grateful for my good health.

I am thankful for god.

I’m thankful for everything that I have been able to do.

At this time, what or whom do you need most, and why?

At this time, I most need my family.

At this time in my life, I need more money.

I most need love and support.

What I need most right now is a job.

“This research is extremely valuable. It offers insight into what Americans are thankful for and what they need. In terms of thankfulness, people appreciate family, friends, and the value of life itself. When asked about needs, people reflect on both social and material things, including their families, money, love and support, and a job. These findings support the presence of deep and meaningful family values among Americans, as well as the practical needs of jobs and money.” — Dr. Britton Niles

Study co-author and CEO of Raven’s Eye

Other interesting findings include that:

• Participants were most thankful for other people, though god, health, animals and material items were noted. Such results indicate a human-centered worldview.

– Participants focused on family and friends, versus other social identities such as sports groups or occupations. Family included such relations as parents, children, husbands, wives, mothers, and daughters were mentioned.

– Females were relatively more thankful for their, “wonderful husbands,” than were males, while males were relatively more thankful for their, “loving wives.”

– Younger males mentioned needing a car relatively more frequently than other groups, while younger women were relatively more thankful for their boyfriends.

– Other than thankfulness or gratitude, love is the most frequent emotional term used.

For more information, go to: ravens-eye.net

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